I just bought a Snapper hi vac rear engine rider (think forrest gump mower but newer) it is all in working order except the current engine pumps more oil than air and the original engine has low compression and no spark but is otherwise in very good condition (haven't looked at it's insides yet)

I got the mower with no compression originally, broken valve retainer, which I fixed, but the governer on the old one got messed up. Ran great! Hauled serious ass, really, would pull wheelies. For 15 minutes. Then tossed the rod out the side of the block.

So I just put a new 8hp tecumseh (which is what was usually on there originally), ran like a dream. Kinda miss that mower, it was build really well. I replaced it with a larger craftsman(mtd) which broke every trip out.

I think I got it from tulsa small engine warehouse? somethign like that online, they were pretty cheap.

Tecumseh is out of business as far as engines go. You may find one at Small Engine Warehouse on line though. Fixing a aluminum cylinder motor that is burning oil is a no win deal if you plan on keeping it. you can still buy the same rider new today, and yes they are a great machine!

She does have pretty big lemons, not that that would help her fix an engine. But the Tecumseh does advertise an iron cylinder so it might be better to rebuild.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazin_wheeler

have the two engines meet at a public place, bring camera.

I am afraid the iron Tecumseh and the aluminum Briggs would react with each other, although it has been awhile since some was stirred up in my life so I just might do it! Any requests as to how you want to see them? Bare cylinder to bare cylinder action, shove a connecting rod into ones exhaust port, or are you more of a sword fighting connecting rods sort of guy?

Tecumseh is out of business as far as engines go. You may find one at Small Engine Warehouse on line though. Fixing a aluminum cylinder motor that is burning oil is a no win deal if you plan on keeping it. you can still buy the same rider new today, and yes they are a great machine!

Whats so bad about fixing an aluminum cylinder engine? The Tecumseh says it has an iron cylinder (pretty sure it is a sleeve) The Briggs probably just needs new rings, although with as much oil that it pumps it might be tricking me and performing its own oil in the cylinder to check for ring loss test. (hope that makes sense)

Ahhh, OK I talked to a guy down the road who runs a small engine shop and he recommended I get a new "greyhound" engine. He said he could also have a gently used engine the next day for $100. OR the cost of parts to rebuild the Tecumseh which will run about $130